Halloween finds its roots in the ancient Irish Celtic festival of “Samhain,” making Dublin arguably the most authentic place in the world to celebrate. As of October 27, 2025, the city is already immersed in a wonderfully eerie and festive atmosphere. From grand Gothic arts festivals and city-wide community firework displays to family-friendly pumpkin patches, Dublin has a “spooktacular” surprise for everyone.
Here is a curated guide to the events, compiled from official sources like Visit Dublin and Dublin City Council.
1. The Main Event: Bram Stoker Festival
To celebrate the author of Dracula and Dublin native, Bram Stoker, the city hosts a grand Gothic extravaganza over the Halloween weekend (October 31 – November 3).
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Macnas Parade
- When: Sunday, November 2 (Dusk)
- Where: Through Dublin’s North East Inner City, including around Mountjoy Square.
- This is the festival’s climax. The world-renowned Macnas performers from Galway will present a brand new parade, “An Treun: The Summoning of the Lost.” Expect giant puppets, mesmerizing music, and fire performances lighting up the Dublin night.
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Gothic Film & Music
- Vampyr with Live Score: At the Light House Cinema (Nov 2), watch the classic horror film Vampyr accompanied by a newly reimagined live score.
- Church Concert: St. Ann’s Church will host a candlelit concert (Nov 2) performing solemn music to honour the departed.
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Museums & Libraries After Dark
- National Museum (Collins Barracks): Offering special “Life, Disease, and Death” guided tours (Oct 31 – Nov 2) and mask-making workshops for families.
- Marsh’s Library: A place Bram Stoker himself studied. The library will host “Spooky Stories” (Nov 1).
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Theatre & Talks
- “Pointy Tales of Fangs and Blood”: A Gothic comedy show celebrating vampire lore at The New Theatre (Oct 31 – Nov 3).
2. City-Wide Celebrations: Dublin City Council (DCC) Events
On Halloween night (October 31), Dublin City Council organizes free, family-friendly events in neighbourhoods across the city, aimed at providing safe and fun firework experiences.
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Finglas Fright Night
- Where: Finglas Civic Centre
- What: A major event with funfair rides, carnival games, local music acts, and a spectacular fireworks finale.
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Ballymun “Otherworld” Festival
- Where: Ballymun
- What: Another large-scale celebration featuring a funfair, circus acts, music, and a dazzling fireworks display.
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D10 Halloween (Ballyfermot / Cherry Orchard)
- Where: Le Fanu Park, Cherry Orchard Park, and other local venues.
- What: Daytime events include a “Zombie Run” and BMX displays, culminating in a large fireworks show at Cherry Orchard Park at 7:00 PM.
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City Centre & Surrounds
- Scare in the Square: Held in Pearse Square Park (4 PM – 8 PM), featuring carnival games and face painting.
- Dockers & Demons: In the Ringsend and Irishtown areas, complete with haunted houses and parades.
- Dublin 8 (D8) Celebrations: Includes the “Haunted Harbour” at The Digital Hub and “House of Horrors” in Fatima.
3. Family Fun: Zoos and Pumpkin Patches
For those with younger children, Dublin offers plenty of cute Halloween activities.
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Dublin Zoo “Boo at the Zoo”
- When: October 25 – November 1
- What: The zoo transforms into a “spooky” trail with scavenger hunts and the educational “Bone Zone.”
- Special Offer: On Halloween Day (Oct 31), children in costume get free entry when accompanied by a full-paying adult.
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Pumpkin Patches
- Luggwoods (Dublin Mountains): An atmospheric experience in the scenic Dublin Mountains, featuring a forest trail and pumpkin picking.
- Pumpkins After Dark (Newbridge House): Located in Donabate, this is a nighttime event where visitors can walk a 1km trail lit by intricately carved pumpkin sculptures.
4. For Thrill-Seekers: Haunted Houses & Horror Tours
If you are looking for genuine scares and adrenaline, these events are not to be missed.
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The Nightmare Realm
- Where: Royal Liver Assurance Retail Park
- What: This is Ireland’s most famous indoor “Scream Park,” renowned for its elaborate sets, live actors, and terrifying walk-through mazes.
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Ghostbus Tour
- What: This bus takes you to Dublin’s darkest corners, such as St. Audoen’s Church (the “gates of Hell”) and ancient graveyards. Professional actors provide a theatrical experience, recounting the city’s grim histories and ghost stories.
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IFI Horrorthon
- Where: Irish Film Institute (IFI)
- What: A film marathon for true horror fans, screening a selection of classic and brand-new horror movies.
Friendly Reminder:
We are now in the peak Halloween season. Tickets for many popular events (especially Bram Stoker Festival tours and talks) are in high demand, and some free events may still require booking. Please be sure to visit the official event websites (like bramstokerfestival.com and dublincity.ie) to check the latest schedules and booking information before you go.
From Samhain to Halloween: Unearthing the Ancient Irish Celtic Roots of the Global Festival